About the role#
The Student CEO (SCEO) leads all aspects of a Saxbys cafe operation. This role offers undergraduate students ownership of a business while developing leadership skills in team management, community engagement, and financial oversight. You will report to an Operations Lead and manage a team of approximately 30 peers.
What you'll do#
- Build and lead a high-performing team by recruiting, training, and coaching staff.
- Drive cafe profitability by managing sales growth, labor costs, inventory, and operational efficiency.
- Serve as the face of Saxbys on campus and represent the brand to guests and stakeholders.
- Establish the cafe as a community cornerstone through hospitality and local partnerships.
- Collaborate with the Operations Lead on strategic initiatives and performance updates.
- Generate social media content and implement local marketing campaigns.
- Assist in identifying and developing talent for the cafe.
What you'll need#
- Current undergraduate student at Purdue University in good academic standing.
- Completed at least one year of undergraduate studies.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in academic, professional, or volunteer settings.
- Ability to work 30-40 hours per week during cafe operating hours.
- Prior Saxbys cafe experience is preferred.
- Experience in customer service, hospitality, or retail is preferred.
- Physical ability to stand, walk, and smile for extended periods.
- Ability to stoop, kneel, and ascend or descend ladders and stairs.
- Ability to push, pull, lift, or carry up to 35 lbs.
Location & details#
- Location: West Lafayette, Indiana.
- Modality: On-site.
- Term: Winter 2027.
- Status: Full-time and paid.
About Saxbys
Saxbys operates a network of cafes on college campuses across the United States. The company functions as an experiential learning platform by integrating student-led businesses into university operations. Founded in 2005 and based in Philadelphia, it employs over 600 people. These locations provide students with credit-bearing roles and financial management experience.
How to get in at Saxbys
Applying early gives you a significant advantage at Saxbys, as recruiters often review the first wave of candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, ensuring you can submit your materials among the first. This helps you stay ahead of the crowd when roles open on campus. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the people managing the hiring process directly. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind Saxbys roles, allowing you to ask relevant questions or request a referral. Connecting with a human contact often provides more clarity than a standard application submission.
